Gay Rights Advocates Fight for Same Sex Marriage Bill

New York Bar Associations say there are over 1,300 state regulations that discriminate against same-sex couples.

For years, same-sex marriage legislation has stalled in the New York State Senate, but many gay rights advocates are hoping that will soon change.

At a press conference Tuesday, leaders of New York Bar associations urged the state Legislature to bring an end to what they termed "legal discrimination" against same-sex couples. Steve Younger, President of the New York State Bar Association, said there are over 1,300 state regulations that discriminate against same-sex couples.

"Without the right to marry, same sex couples in our state find it difficult, if not impossible to navigate the many legal issues that affect all of our daily lives," he said.

Younger mentioned the obstacles that same sex couples face in a wide range of areas, including health care, housing, child raising, inheritance, wrongful death actions, and property rights should a couple split up.

New York City Mayor Bloomberg made a trip to Albany Tuesday afternoon to support same sex marriage legislation. He said his trip would be used to push some state senators to vote in favor of the bill.

State Senator Ruben Diaz held a rally in the Bronx this past weekend to protest the measure, saying marriage should be between a man and a woman.